Whether you skipper a sailing yacht or a power vessel, safety and good seamanship start with a strong foundation of knowledge.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their crew, and this course equips you with the essential theory knowledge to make confident, informed decisions at sea. 

The RYA Day Skipper Shore-based course at Flying Fish is suitable for all recreational skippers. It is designed to complement the onboard training in our Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical, and Powerboat courses.

Course content 

• Nautical terminology
• Ropes and their properties
• Anchor types
• Safety equipment and stowage
• Fire precautions, harnesses, and lifejackets
• Distress and rescue procedures
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)
• Charts, publications, and compass use
• Buoyage, pilotage, and lights
• Navigation and tides
• Meteorology and passage planning
• Operating in restricted visibility
• Protecting the marine environment

Course details 

The programme includes 40 hours of classroom instruction, plus exam time. 

Location and instruction 

The course is delivered in our comfortable, well-resourced waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club by an experienced and certified RYA shore-based instructor. 

• Tuition, course publications, course pack with practice charts, and certification.
• Plotter and dividers.

Qualifications 

• RYA  Day Skipper Shorebased Theory certificate

• The course is suitable for beginners. 
• It is recommended for anyone planning to be the skipper of a recreational power or sailing vessel up to 24 metres in length.  

• Go on to join a Day Skipper Practical course.
• View our Yachtmaster programmes if you want to work as a professional skipper or crew. 

• Booking information
  • To secure your place on the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course, please pay a 20% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, at which point the remaining balance of the course fees will be due.
  • Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be transferred to any other course or event offered by Flying Fish.
  • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
• Do I need to have completed any previous courses first?
  • We recommend that you have completed the Competent Crew course or have equivalent experience before starting the Day Skipper Shorebased course. A basic understanding of navigation, tides, and seamanship will help you get the most from the course.
• Do I need to be good at maths?
  • No advanced maths skills are required. The course uses straightforward, practical calculations such as distances, speeds, and tides.
  • Your instructor will guide you step by step, and you’ll have plenty of practice opportunities during the course.
• Is there any pre-course learning I need to do?
  • We will provide you with a pre-course learning document covering the IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). It’s important to familiarise yourself with these, particularly the rules, lights, and shapes.
  • Reviewing this material before the course begins will make your classroom learning smoother and more enjoyable.
• What happens if I don’t pass the Day Skipper Shorebased assessment?
  • We aim to prepare you thoroughly so that this doesn’t happen. However, if you don’t pass on your first attempt, you’ll receive an action plan to help you address any gaps in knowledge before retaking the assessment.
  • The majority of our Day Skipper Shorebased students pass on their first attempt.